EUBFE Addressed Participants during Investment Engagement Summit Organized by EIC

The EU Business Forum took part in an investor engagement summit organized by the Ethiopian Investment Commission on December 11, 2020. The summit aimed at presenting the major legal reforms undertaken during the year to improve the business climate while also conferring with investors on current challenges. The summit was opened by key note addresses from HE Lelise Neme Commissioner of Investment Commission and Mr. Erik Habers, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Ethiopia. The board chairman of EUBFE, Mr. Ben Depraetere, then addressed the audience on key accomplishments and engagement of EUBFE as well as areas of collaboration that need further strengthening.

The EIC presented key reforms in the investment climate, including the new investment law and regulation. This law created negative listing of investment areas, that clearly delineate areas of investment reserved for local and joint investment, allowing FDI to participate otherwise. Moreover, the law establishes an investment board, that for the first time allows the private sector two seats.

You may click on the following link below to find out detailed changes enacted via the new investment law.

Following presentation on major legal and economic reforms as well as on investor aftercare service a panel discussion ensued. Existing challenges European Companies face, including access to forex, tax and customs were discussed. The EIC pledged to continue to support European investors and to such effect has assigned a contact person that would look after European FDI. Moreover, it was indicated that more sustained investor-enagement will be pursued in the years to come.